Legendary Radio Host Casey Kasem Dies

News

Legendary radio personality Casey Kasem died this morning (Jun. 15) at 82, according to multiple reports.

The news was shared via Facebook by his daughter, Kerri Kasem, who shared the following message:

“Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends. Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our Dad.”

The radio icon, who was made famous through his hosting of American Top 40, had been hospitalized in Washington state for the past two weeks. He suffered from a form of progressive dementia called Lewy body disease. A stark battle between his wife Jean Kasem and his children regarding his care had surrounded his final months.

Kasem began his gig at American Top 40, recapping the 40 biggest songs according to the Billboard 100, in 1970, and served as host until 1988. He is also well-known as the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo franchise. His signature sign-off remains a staple in American pop culture history: